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The New Zealand team says they are happy with the first day on the water for their America’s Cup boat, Te Rehutai.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The New Zealand team’s second-generation AC75 went into public view at the team’s base on the Auckland Viaduct on Thursday night, revealing the ship they will use to defend the 36th America’s Cup.
After more than nine months in design and development, the New Zealand team was finally able to leave the simulations behind and put the ship in the Hauraki Gulf.
Reflecting on the first day, crew member Blair Tuke said: “After the official launch, it was quite impressive to be able to go out and launch the boat in a beautiful southern breeze in the Hauraki Gulf.
“It’s great for the whole team to see him flying around, doing his thing, after a lot of work from so many people to get to this point.”
A successful first day marks a major turning point for the team, where construction and development give way to testing and race preparation, but developments in all areas will continue until the final race.
Helmsman Peter Burling felt the day was a success. “It was great to start commissioning. The boat felt really good. We are happy with the first day, but we have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
As part of the initial testing program for Te Rehutai, the team ticked everything off as planned and completed a few maneuvers on Course C on the way home.
With just 26 days to go until the warning sign of the first PRADA ACWS Auckland race, the plan is to spend as many days on the water as possible, so locals should expect to see Te Rehutai become a familiar presence in the harbor. .
The three America’s Cup challengers, Luna Rossa, American Magic and Team UK, had already released their latest designs last month and had been testing them in the port of Waitemata.
The New Zealand team is now in a race against time to prepare for the World Series regatta that begins in four weeks.
This warm-up race will be the first and last chance for the defenders to put their boat to the test head-to-head against the rivals, before waiting to find out who they will compete with for the Auld Mug.
The Prada Cup free-for-all series of challenges, between the three international unions, begins on January 15 and the winner advances to compete with the New Zealand team in the 36th America’s Cup, which begins on March 6.
